As Avengers: Doomsday (2026) kicks off production, there’s one glaring omission from its superhero lineup: Spider-Man.
Tom Holland’s web-slinger has been a central figure in the MCU since his debut in 2016, and his exclusion from the next Avengers movie is raising more than a few eyebrows. But as it turns out, the reason for his absence is tied directly to what comes next for Peter Parker…
Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday Cast—And Where Spider-Man Fits In
When Marvel Studios unveiled the official cast list for Avengers: Doomsday (2026), fans immediately noticed something missing: no Spider-Man. Holland’s absence from such a monumental crossover left many questioning why Marvel would leave out one of their most beloved heroes, especially as so many other fan favorites are set to appear.
The movie’s massive ensemble cast includes returning stars like Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America), and Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man), as well as new additions from the Fantastic Four universe. Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic) and Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/Invisible Woman) lead the new team, while X-Men legends Patrick Stewart (Professor X) and Ian McKellen (Magneto) return to their iconic roles.
As was announced last year, Robert Downey Jr. also returns—not as Tony Stark, but as the Multiverse Saga’s antagonist, Doctor Doom.
For fans who have long hoped to see Spider-Man face off against a version of Doctor Doom with the face of his fallen mentor, this feels like a missed opportunity
However, according to industry insider Jeff Sneider, there’s a straightforward explanation for Peter Parker’s absence: Spider-Man 4 is happening at the same time as Avengers: Doomsday, and the events of the two films will overlap. Peter’s story will continue in his solo film before he makes a return in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), much like how Avengers: Endgame followed Avengers: Infinity War (2018).
What to Expect in Spider-Man 4
Though Peter Parker is sitting out the Avengers showdown, his next solo film is shaping up to be a major turning point for the character.
While plot details remain under wraps, it’s expected that the Multiverse will still play a major role. Speculation is swirling that both Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire may reprise their roles as alternate versions of Spider-Man, but Marvel hasn’t confirmed anything yet.
The casting of Stranger Things star Sadie Sink has also raised questions, with fans wondering if she could be playing a new version of Zendaya’s MJ. Others have theorized she might be the daughter of Tobey Maguire’s Peter and Kirsten Dunst’s Mary Jane—further deepening the Multiverse’s impact on the story.
According to Sneider, The Chameleon is expected to serve as the primary villain. In the comics, Dmitri Smerdyakov is a master of disguise, able to impersonate anyone with the help of advanced tech and, in some versions, shape-shifting abilities. Fans were seemingly introduced to the character in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), where Numan Acar portrayed a mysterious operative named Dmitri working with Nick Fury (or, more accurately, the Skrull Talos).
Producer Amy Pascal has teased the direction of the film, telling Deadline’s Behind the Lens: “We have to deal with the fact that he decided he was going to give up being Peter Parker, and he was gonna focus on being Spider-Man, because being Peter Parker was too hard. So that’s what the movie is about.”
Venom, Kingpin, and More in ‘Spider-Man 4’
While Spider-Man 4 might focus on Peter’s personal growth, there’s a chance some familiar faces will show up. Fans have long theorized that Venom could make an appearance, adding another layer of complexity to Peter’s emotional journey.
Additionally, the Daredevil series could influence Peter’s story, as Kingpin’s rise to power in Daredevil: Born Again (2024) may very well bring him into conflict with Spider-Man given the hero’s role as a protector of New York.
If Spider-Man 4 and Avengers: Doomsday are taking place at the same time, it remains to be seen how the two stories will connect. Will Spider-Man’s absence from the Avengers’ latest battle have consequences down the line? For now, fans will have to wait for both films to unfold.
What do you think will happen in ‘Spider-Man 4’?
